US6599163B1 - Aerodynamic flying ring - Google Patents

Aerodynamic flying ring Download PDF

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Publication number
US6599163B1
US6599163B1 US10/082,526 US8252602A US6599163B1 US 6599163 B1 US6599163 B1 US 6599163B1 US 8252602 A US8252602 A US 8252602A US 6599163 B1 US6599163 B1 US 6599163B1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
disk
ring
lobe
flying ring
transversely
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US10/082,526
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter F. Kotsonis
John Elliott Sumter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dart Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Dart Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dart Industries Inc filed Critical Dart Industries Inc
Priority to US10/082,526 priority Critical patent/US6599163B1/en
Assigned to DART INDUSTRIES, INC. reassignment DART INDUSTRIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KOTSONIS, PETER F., SUMTER, JOHN ELLIOTT
Priority to CA002417303A priority patent/CA2417303A1/en
Priority to AU2003200380A priority patent/AU2003200380A1/en
Priority to EP03002469A priority patent/EP1338315A3/de
Priority to BR0300282-9A priority patent/BR0300282A/pt
Priority to KR10-2003-0010877A priority patent/KR20030069882A/ko
Priority to MXPA03001573A priority patent/MXPA03001573A/es
Priority to JP2003046089A priority patent/JP2003265664A/ja
Priority to CN03106648A priority patent/CN1439444A/zh
Publication of US6599163B1 publication Critical patent/US6599163B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B65/00—Implements for throwing  ; Mechanical projectors, e.g. using spring force
    • A63B65/10—Discus discs; Quoits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/18—Throwing or slinging toys, e.g. flying disc toys

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to throwing devices, and more particularly, the type of throwing toy normally referred to as a flying ring or disk.
  • Such toys usually in the nature of either a solid disk or an annular member, are intended to be hand-propelled in a manner so as to produce a combined forward propelling and a spinning motion to the toy.
  • Throwing toys of the type involved herein are rather unique with regard to the broad range of possible uses thereof and the interest therein of both the very young and the more mature individual. While, the flying basic ring will normally be used by a child as merely a throwing toy, possibly being passed from one child to another, toys of this type have also frequently been used in competitive situations. As an example, such throwing devices have been used in simulated golf games, target practice with the aim being to hit a post, encircle a peg, or strike a target, and like situations. As might be expected in light of the broad scope of the prior art, the known flying toys have achieved the basic goals of such toys with varying degrees of success.
  • the basic currently known ring or disk is symmetrical about a vertical axis, allowing for a balanced spin when thrown.
  • the spinning motion imparts stability to the ring resulting in an orderly flight attitude.
  • the current rings or disks provide for the desired or required lift only as the disk moves forward along its path. That is, the inherent design of known rings or disks for the most part require this forward movement through the air to aerodynamically induce the desired lift and to maintain flight.
  • the flying ring of the present invention has as its goal multiple objects which individually and in combination amount to significant advances in this relatively crowded art.
  • Among the significant objects of the invention is the provision of a ring with particular ergonomic advantages with regard to the actual manual grasping and throwing of the toy in a manner which generates an increased spinning action and a straighter, more controlled throw.
  • Another significant aspect or object of the invention is the specific provision of means for enhancing the aerodynamic lift effect of the toy in response to the spinning motion, as compared to the forwardly propelled motion of the toy.
  • a separate lift effect is provided which counteracts and slows the normal descent from the apex of flight somewhat analogous to the auto-rotation of a helicopter landing without power.
  • both the flight duration and the control of the path of the ring can be more effectively controlled.
  • the ring of the invention produces a desirable audible whistle or warble sound as the spinning toy, and more particularly the outer periphery or peripheral edges thereof, moves through the air. This has been found to be a result solely of the configuration of the toy and not through the utilization of specific sound producing components.
  • the flying ring is an annular disk principally of a thin rigid material, for example lightweight plastic, with a circular inner periphery, an outer curvilinear periphery generally coaxial with the inner periphery and a transversely arcing aerodynamic configuration between the inner and outer peripheries which is defined continuously about the ring.
  • the curvilinear outer periphery of the ring is configured as a circle with what might be considered squared-off edges at four equally spaced points thereabout and defined by arcuate lobes.
  • the resultant exterior configuration of the ring being described as a “squared-off” circle or a “rounded” square, that is a square with rounded corners.
  • the arcuate lobes define hand grips which more closely conform to and are accommodated within the hand of a thrower, as compared to the normal circle-defining outer periphery of such toys.
  • the grip for the user is more comfortable and provides for a more natural movement of the hand along the desired release path.
  • the flying ring of the invention is easier to throw better.
  • the arcuate configuration of each grip which extends circumferentially about a little less than 1 ⁇ 4 of the circumference of the disk, also is ergonomically configured as to encourage and generate an additional spinning action to the ring as it is forwardly propelled.
  • a positive and enhanced spinning motion to the toy is significant in that each of the four grips include, on the undersurface thereof and radially outward of the transverse aerodynamic arcing of the ring, a circumferentially elongate separate aerodynamic recess therein which provides a positive lift action to the ring in response to the spinning thereof in conjunction with the basic lift provided by the principal transverse arcing of the body of the ring.
  • the auxiliary lift of the aerodynamic configuration in each of the grips is generated in response to the spinning motion of the ring as compared to the principal lift responsive to the forward flight motion of the ring.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the aerodynamic flying ring of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view thereof
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 4 — 4 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 5 — 5 in FIG. 2 and illustrating a typical cross-section through one of the gripping lobes;
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective detail of one of the gripping lobes and the aerodynamic recess defined therein;
  • FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a variation of the flying ring with the lobes or grips formed on the basic ring by a second mold step utilizing a relatively softer elastomeric.
  • the flying ring or disk 10 is, in its simplest form, molded of an appropriate thin rigid material, as for example plastic, in an annular configuration.
  • the ring 10 comprises a circular inner periphery 12 and a radially outwardly spaced curvilinear outer periphery 14 .
  • the body of the ring is, in cross section, transversely arced between the inner circular periphery 12 and an outer coaxial circular edge 16 .
  • This arcing forms a continuous aerodynamic shape, with an upper convex surface and a corresponding lower concave surface continuously about the ring body between the inner periphery or peripheral edge 12 and the outer circular edge 16 .
  • the apex of the transversely arcing configuration is closer to the inner periphery 12 than the outer edge 16 with the transverse arc being substantially curvilinear along the full extent thereof, that is without sharp angles at the various transition points.
  • the inner periphery 12 is slightly upwardly offset relative to the outer edge 16 .
  • the transverse arcing of the ring body in defining the desired aerodynamic configuration, extends upward from the inner periphery 12 , relative to the baseline 18 , at a first angle to the transverse apex 20 of the arc and then, after the arcuate transition at the apex 20 , angles downwardly and outwardly at a lesser angle to the baseline, terminating in an outer rather steeply angled portion to the outer edge 16 at the baseline 18 .
  • the outer circular edge 16 at four equally spaced points about the circumference thereof, has extents or lengths 22 which define portions of the outer periphery 14 of the ring.
  • the outer periphery 14 is further defined by four low profile arcuate lobes 26 equally spaced about the ring and centered at approximately 45° between each of the edge lengths 22 , the lobes 26 , or more particularly the apices 28 thereof, being at substantially 90° to each other.
  • Each lobe 26 is of a maximum transverse width at the central or apex portion thereof and tapers to minimal widths at the opposed ends 30 thereof which meet at the adjoining exposed outer edge lengths 22 .
  • each outer edge length 22 and the adjoining end portions of the two adjacent lobes 26 form a relatively flat arcing portion of the outer periphery.
  • the outer periphery 14 of the ring configured as above, while curvilinear about the length thereof, is of a rounded square configuration with “squared-off” corners on the outer ring 16 defined at 90° to each other by the low profile arcuate lobes.
  • the outer periphery thus has a maximum diameter extending between the cusps or apices of each diametrically opposed pairs of lobes 26 , and relatively shorter minimum diameters between opposed pairs of the exposed outer edge lengths 22 intermediate the maximum diameters and at approximately 45° thereto.
  • each of the lobes 26 in itself is configured to provide an aerodynamic effect in response to the spinning motion of the toy.
  • each lobe 26 has a concave recess 34 defined in the lower surface thereof transversely between the outer edge 16 and the outer periphery portion 36 of the lobe.
  • This recess 34 is formed transversely basically on a single radius, providing a smoothly curved arc.
  • each recess 34 tapers from a maximum width and depth centrally of the corresponding lobe to minimal widths and depths terminating at points inward of the opposed ends or end portions 30 of the lobes.
  • each recess 34 follows the arc of the ring body outer edge 16 while the outer extent of the recess 34 follows the converging arc of the outer peripheral edge portion 36 of the lobe.
  • the outer peripheral portion of each of the lobes 26 is coplanar with the outer edge 16 of the ring body.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the ring wherein the inner periphery or peripheral edge of the ring is provided with a separately molded elastomeric coating 40 both as an edge protective means and depending upon the manner of gripping the ring for throwing, a cushioned gripping edge.
  • the elastomeric molded portion 40 rather than merely coating the inner periphery, can in fact be molded to the body of the ring and define the inner peripheral edge.
  • the lobes can, for both edge protection and enhanced gripping, be similarly coated with an appropriate molded elastomer 42 with the elastomeric coating extending slightly over the adjoining outer edge portion of the main body of the ring.
  • each of the lobes may in fact be formed of an appropriate elastomer molded to the main body.
  • the forming of the flying ring will involve two molding steps or a double shot molding wherein the main body of the ring is molded of an appropriate thin rigid plastic material, and subsequent thereto, the elastomer coatings or components are molded thereto to provide basically a unitary item.
  • the upper surface of the elastomeric grip forming lobes can be provided with a series of surface dimples 44 therein.
  • annular grip enhancing ribs 46 can be formed on the upper surface of the ring body circumferentially thereabout.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
US10/082,526 2002-02-22 2002-02-22 Aerodynamic flying ring Expired - Fee Related US6599163B1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/082,526 US6599163B1 (en) 2002-02-22 2002-02-22 Aerodynamic flying ring
CA002417303A CA2417303A1 (en) 2002-02-22 2003-01-24 Aerodynamic flying ring
AU2003200380A AU2003200380A1 (en) 2002-02-22 2003-02-04 Aerodynamic flying ring
EP03002469A EP1338315A3 (de) 2002-02-22 2003-02-05 Aerodynamische wurfscheibe
BR0300282-9A BR0300282A (pt) 2002-02-22 2003-02-14 Anel voador
KR10-2003-0010877A KR20030069882A (ko) 2002-02-22 2003-02-21 공력 플라잉 링
MXPA03001573A MXPA03001573A (es) 2002-02-22 2003-02-21 Anillo volador aerodinamico.
JP2003046089A JP2003265664A (ja) 2002-02-22 2003-02-24 空気力学的フライングリング
CN03106648A CN1439444A (zh) 2002-02-22 2003-02-24 一种空气动力飞行环

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/082,526 US6599163B1 (en) 2002-02-22 2002-02-22 Aerodynamic flying ring

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US6599163B1 true US6599163B1 (en) 2003-07-29

Family

ID=27610596

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/082,526 Expired - Fee Related US6599163B1 (en) 2002-02-22 2002-02-22 Aerodynamic flying ring

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US6599163B1 (de)
EP (1) EP1338315A3 (de)
JP (1) JP2003265664A (de)
KR (1) KR20030069882A (de)
CN (1) CN1439444A (de)
AU (1) AU2003200380A1 (de)
BR (1) BR0300282A (de)
CA (1) CA2417303A1 (de)
MX (1) MXPA03001573A (de)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080064289A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2008-03-13 Mcanulty Roy E Flexible toss toy
US20110124262A1 (en) * 2009-11-10 2011-05-26 Terence Marshal Buker Flying disk with periodic edge protrusions
US20230158418A1 (en) * 2021-11-22 2023-05-25 Michael B. Davis Flying Disc with Varied Rim
USD1006892S1 (en) * 2023-06-20 2023-12-05 David Laemle Flying disc

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL243000A (en) * 2015-12-09 2016-12-29 Yeshayahu Blumenfeld Accessory for sports training and leisure activities

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3220142A (en) * 1964-09-04 1965-11-30 Butterfield Floyd Aerial toy
US3580580A (en) 1969-09-24 1971-05-25 John D Wark Aerial spinning disc
US4031655A (en) 1976-01-30 1977-06-28 Jose Ponciano Aerodynamic sound-emitting amusement device
US4157632A (en) 1977-06-10 1979-06-12 Everett Robert A Aerial toy
US4307535A (en) 1980-03-24 1981-12-29 Stanley W. Wilcox Aerodynamic device
USD266014S (en) 1978-04-24 1982-08-31 Wittman Dennis D Aerial toy
US4421320A (en) * 1980-01-07 1983-12-20 Robson David P Boomerang
US4479655A (en) * 1983-12-21 1984-10-30 Adler Alan John Boomerang
US4560358A (en) 1984-05-10 1985-12-24 Adler Alan John Gliding ring
US4669995A (en) 1985-01-07 1987-06-02 Lombard Paul W Flying toy
US4934713A (en) 1989-05-15 1990-06-19 Hunter Bruce A Boomerang
US4946173A (en) 1988-04-22 1990-08-07 Schlegel Joerg Frieder Throwing ring
USD310548S (en) 1988-10-27 1990-09-11 Stephen Weiss Aerial toy
US5340347A (en) * 1988-06-24 1994-08-23 Yenerich Philip C Flying toy
USD353847S (en) 1993-03-30 1994-12-27 Kendall Kelsen Flying disk
USD386223S (en) 1996-07-23 1997-11-11 Mattel, Inc. High performance flying disc
US6113453A (en) 1997-11-07 2000-09-05 Stuffelbeam; Kim Flying toy apparatus and assembly method
US6247989B1 (en) 1999-04-26 2001-06-19 Richard D. Neff Secondary lift flying ring
US6443862B1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2002-09-03 John H. Darnell Returning flying polygon

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH177619A (de) * 1934-06-07 1935-06-15 Schafroth Werner Wurfplatte für Wurfspiel.
US3613295A (en) * 1969-12-12 1971-10-19 Robert A Everett Aerial toy
US4132029A (en) * 1977-05-09 1979-01-02 Positive Pyramids, Inc. Pyramid flyer

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3220142A (en) * 1964-09-04 1965-11-30 Butterfield Floyd Aerial toy
US3580580A (en) 1969-09-24 1971-05-25 John D Wark Aerial spinning disc
US4031655A (en) 1976-01-30 1977-06-28 Jose Ponciano Aerodynamic sound-emitting amusement device
US4157632A (en) 1977-06-10 1979-06-12 Everett Robert A Aerial toy
USD266014S (en) 1978-04-24 1982-08-31 Wittman Dennis D Aerial toy
US4421320A (en) * 1980-01-07 1983-12-20 Robson David P Boomerang
US4307535A (en) 1980-03-24 1981-12-29 Stanley W. Wilcox Aerodynamic device
US4479655A (en) * 1983-12-21 1984-10-30 Adler Alan John Boomerang
US4560358A (en) 1984-05-10 1985-12-24 Adler Alan John Gliding ring
US4669995A (en) 1985-01-07 1987-06-02 Lombard Paul W Flying toy
US4946173A (en) 1988-04-22 1990-08-07 Schlegel Joerg Frieder Throwing ring
US5340347A (en) * 1988-06-24 1994-08-23 Yenerich Philip C Flying toy
USD310548S (en) 1988-10-27 1990-09-11 Stephen Weiss Aerial toy
US4934713A (en) 1989-05-15 1990-06-19 Hunter Bruce A Boomerang
USD353847S (en) 1993-03-30 1994-12-27 Kendall Kelsen Flying disk
USD386223S (en) 1996-07-23 1997-11-11 Mattel, Inc. High performance flying disc
US6113453A (en) 1997-11-07 2000-09-05 Stuffelbeam; Kim Flying toy apparatus and assembly method
US6247989B1 (en) 1999-04-26 2001-06-19 Richard D. Neff Secondary lift flying ring
US6443862B1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2002-09-03 John H. Darnell Returning flying polygon

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080064289A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2008-03-13 Mcanulty Roy E Flexible toss toy
US7976355B2 (en) * 2005-09-09 2011-07-12 Mcanulty Roy E Flexible toss toy
US20110124262A1 (en) * 2009-11-10 2011-05-26 Terence Marshal Buker Flying disk with periodic edge protrusions
US20230158418A1 (en) * 2021-11-22 2023-05-25 Michael B. Davis Flying Disc with Varied Rim
USD1006892S1 (en) * 2023-06-20 2023-12-05 David Laemle Flying disc

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1439444A (zh) 2003-09-03
MXPA03001573A (es) 2003-08-27
EP1338315A2 (de) 2003-08-27
EP1338315A3 (de) 2003-09-10
AU2003200380A1 (en) 2003-09-11
BR0300282A (pt) 2004-06-08
CA2417303A1 (en) 2003-08-22
KR20030069882A (ko) 2003-08-27
JP2003265664A (ja) 2003-09-24

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DART INDUSTRIES, INC., FLORIDA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KOTSONIS, PETER F.;SUMTER, JOHN ELLIOTT;REEL/FRAME:012979/0221

Effective date: 20020521

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20070729